Rawiri Paratene stands as Green candidate

Rawiri
Paratene, the actor known for his role as “Koro” in the
iconic Kiwi film Whale Rider, is set to run as the Green
Party candidate for Maungakiekie. His stage and screen
career spans 35 years, from a children's presenter on Play
School. ,to Shortland Street, and a host professional
theatre productions.

He
is currently developing a feature film script; a tragic love
story set in Pre-European New Zealand that will be shot in
the Maori Language.

Mr Paratene (Nga Puhi) aims to
help encourage the party vote for the Greens, and has no
intention to enter Parliament.

“My message to
people is to party vote Green, I say to people ‘Vote for
your kids and your grandchildren- they will thank you for
it’.”

Mr. Paratene believes that the Green party
is the party that comes close to his own principles, and
that the Greens truly understand the long term picture.

“When you consider the founding Green principles, of
ecological wisdom, or kaitiakitanga of our land and rivers
and oceans, and of social justice, I believe you get to the
very heart of what Tino Rangatiratanga actually means.”

“That is why I am running for the Greens. I am just
doing my bit for our mokopuna – for the generations to
come”.

Green Party Co-Leader Jeanette Fitzsimons
says she is very glad of Mr Paratene’s decision to offer
himself as the party’s candidate for Maungakiekie.

“Clearly, we’re delighted. Rawiri is a high profile New
Zealander and has a lot to offer.”

“We believe
the Green Party is the only party that really takes the long
term view, and it’s very heartening to have his support in
getting across the message that it’s time we start taking
seriously the need to act as guardians of this amazing
country for others in the future.”

“This is
something we believe all New Zealanders can relate to –
leaving our place secure and providing for our kids – and
it’s great to have Rawiri’s considerable help in talking
about how we’re going to do
that.”

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